Pride Of The Artic shows his mettle

Pride Of The Artic (4/1) put in a game performance to hold on to the lead after cutting out all the running in the two and a half mile Grade 3 Like A Butterfly Novice Chase. Jacksonslady (4/1) was moving well in behind and joined issue at the final fence, however Andrew Leigh and Pride Of The Artic battled on well on the rail to win by a length.

It was seven and a half lengths back to Aughnacurraveel in third at 10/1. Whodoyouthink was the 3/1 favourite, but he weakened and finished tailed off in sixth.

Trainer Peter Fahey said: “He’s very tough. I think everything came to chase him and he jumped unbelievably. He was under pressure at the last, but was quick and battled away.

“He’ll probably have a little break and he’ll probably be back at Christmas time.

“I have 30 horses in in total, but only 10 or 12 that are racing. He keeps things going!

“Shop DJ should be ready in a few weeks time.”

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)